Driver Distraction: Smartphone Blocking Tech
- As concerns mount over accidents caused by mobile phone use, new driver distraction technology is emerging to combat this dangerous trend, especially within fleet management.
- Apps like AT&T DriveMode and Apple's Do Not Disturb While Driving provide some protection, but their reliance on driver compliance limits their effectiveness.
- Ori Gilboa, CEO of SaverOne, an Israeli startup, emphasizes the importance of prevention over monitoring.
Tackling the dangers of smartphone use while driving, new driver distraction technology, especially for fleet management, is emerging. Hardware-integrated solutions are proving to be more effective then basic apps, with up to a 60% reduction in accidents reported by some fleets. Discover how systems like SaverOne use hidden sensors to prevent driver distraction, even when Bluetooth is disabled. Ori Gilboa, CEO of SaverOne, emphasizes preventative measures over monitoring, ensuring driver safety. This shift in technology could significantly impact driving safety. News Directory 3 explores the latest advancements and the potential role of government regulation in widespread adoption. Explore how innovative solutions are paving the way for safer roads and the future of driving. Discover what’s next.
New Tech Aims to Curb Driver Distraction, Boost Fleet Safety
Updated June 12, 2025
As concerns mount over accidents caused by mobile phone use, new driver distraction technology is emerging to combat this dangerous trend, especially within fleet management. While apps offer basic features, hardware-integrated systems are gaining traction for their ability to enforce safer driving habits.
Apps like AT&T DriveMode and Apple’s Do Not Disturb While Driving provide some protection, but their reliance on driver compliance limits their effectiveness. These apps can often be bypassed, making them less suitable where liability and safety are critical.
Ori Gilboa, CEO of SaverOne, an Israeli startup, emphasizes the importance of prevention over monitoring. SaverOne’s system uses sensors to detect mobile phones in the vehicle, placing the driver’s device into a “safe mode.” This mode blocks distracting apps while allowing essential functions like navigation and approved voice calls. The system is designed to be driverproof, working even if Bluetooth is disabled or a second phone is present.
The SaverOne system includes hidden sensors and a receiver that can pinpoint mobile devices. If the driver’s phone is active and not connected to the SaverOne app, an alert sounds until the issue is resolved. Gilboa notes that the system prioritizes usability, allowing navigation and voice calls to approved contacts.
“Mobile use while driving is an addiction. We needed a system that prevents distraction without waiting for the driver to choose safety. That’s what we built.” Ori Gilboa, saverone
As launching its second-generation product in 2022, SaverOne has expanded globally. Cemex Israel and Strauss Group are among the companies that have deployed the system. Strauss Group’s data showed a significant reduction in accident rates after installing SaverOne. FedEx contractors in North Carolina and Philadelphia are also adopting the technology.
Some fleet operators have reported up to a 60% reduction in accident rates after installation. Additionally, phone interactions by drivers have decreased dramatically, from approximately 10 times per hour to almost zero.
What’s next
While adoption is growing, broader implementation, especially in the consumer market, may depend on government regulation. Ian Reagan, a senior research scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), suggests that mandating systems like SaverOne’s in vehicles could significantly reduce distracted driving fatalities.